The rainbow flags may not have filled Hyderabad’s streets for two years now, but they have found expression elsewhere — on dance floors, in therapy circles, at community festivals and in conversations where faith met queer identity. This Pride Month, the city witnessed a growing calendar of community-led events that brought together LGBTQIA+ people and allies alike, reflecting an ecosystem that continues to evolve beyond a single annual celebration.
Marking their 7th iteration, Mobbera Foundation marked Queer Fiesta this year with art, performances, and a community flea market.
‘Pride has always been both a celebration and a protest’At Queer Fiesta 2026, organised by Mobbera Foundation in collaboration with Communitie, Pride took the form of performances, community-building and opportunities for queer entrepreneurs.“Pride has always been both a celebration and a protest. It is a reminder that despite living in a secular, democratic country, LGBTQIA+ people are still fighting for basic human rights,” says Anil, founder and president of Mobbera Foundation. “This year, we wanted to focus not just on talent, but also on entrepreneurship and financial independence. We had queer and transgender entrepreneurs showcasing their products, while multinational companies accepted resumes from attendees for inclusive employment opportunities.”For Sahitya, festival leader at Communitie, one of the biggest takeaways was the diversity of those who attended. “We also saw a growing number of allies participating alongside the queer community, creating spaces where people could express themselves without fear of judgement.”
Weekly event series Rainbow Nights organised by Dark Vibe Society brings together LGBTQIA+ community members and allies for an inclusive social space centred on music, performance and community
‘People need spaces where they know they belong’For many in Hyderabad’s LGBTQIA+ community, Rainbow Nights has become more than a weekly party. Curated by Dark Vibe Society, the recurring event series has grown from a monthly gathering into a regular Sunday fixture that brings together LGBTQIA+ people, allies, artists and performers.“Rainbow Nights has never been just about partying. It’s a space where people can see each other, check in, feel safe and know they belong. We created it because we knew what it felt like to be excluded from public spaces simply for who we were,” says Vaibhav Kumar Modi, the event’s curator.“What began as a community party has evolved into what we like to call an ‘equal dance floor’ — a space where everyone can come together, regardless of identity. Today, allies sometimes make up an equal, or even larger, share of attendees than members of the queer community.”He adds that the conversations sparked by the gatherings have extended beyond the community itself.“Several Hyderabad-based brands have approached us wanting to learn how they can create more inclusive spaces. That’s when you realise these events are about much more than a party; they’re helping build a larger ecosystem of inclusion.”
Participants engaged in workshops, therapy sessions and creative activities during Unfurling Rainbows, a Pride Month event focused on mental wellbeing and emotional support
‘Identity is only one part of the experience’While many Pride events celebrate visibility and community, Unfurling Rainbows, organised by Praan Wellness in partnership with Queer Nilayam, focused on another aspect of queer life: mental health. The event featured relationship workshops, book readings, a film screening, music and art therapy, yoga, sound healing and an open mic.“Many young people are navigating their sexuality while facing challenges with family acceptance, relationships and identity. Those experiences inevitably affect their mental and emotional wellbeing. People are starting to recognise that identity is only one part of their experience, and they’re becoming much more open to seeking help,” says Dr Athar Qureshi, business head at Praan Wellness.
